Career Connections
GPS and Mapping

Developed by:  Candis Allen

Summary:

In this module, the students will have the opportunity to be trained and to use actual equipment and software from real-life careers in mapping to create an accurate map of   Miller Springs Nature Center.

Connection to the Curriculum:

The students will work cooperatively as teams to plot coordinates for a particular area.  As the teams begin to compile their results, additional cooperative adjustments might need to be made.  Once the data is obtained and the map has been completed, administrators will have a comprehensivemap for use by community members.

TEKS Connection:

TEKS c3D in most disciplines.

Time:

This curriculum should take about 2 weeks but can be adjusted as necessary.

Season:

This module is best conducted in the early Fall or mid-Spring.

Materials:

• Notepads
• Pencils
• GPS equipment
• Colored Pencils
• Graph Paper
• Computer
• Database Software
• Mapping Software

Objective:

• To introduce real world careers to students by using actual tools of the trade.

Procedures:

1.     To introduce the project, there will be an expert in this career explain what he/she does and the importance of this job.
2.     Instruct the students on the proper use of the GPS equipment and how best to record their findings.
3.     Break students up into three teams.  Attached is a map designating the areas to which each will be assigned.  They are   to locate and mark signage, trail heads, kiosks, water ways, ponds, etc. in their prospective areas.
4.     Take a Field Trip to Miller Springs Park to begin obtaining data.
5.     Introduce students to the GIS software.
6.     Compile data from teams and enter into a data base
7.     Using the data base, begin to plot data on map using GIS software.
8.     Produce final map
9.     Take trip to Park to check accuracy.
10.     Make adjustments as necessary.
11.     An accurate final copy is produced for electronic publication.

Questions:

1.     What kind of training would you consider necessary to have this kind of career?
2.     What is the importance of this career?
3.     What other careers could use this type of technology?

Expanding the lesson:

1.     This curriculum could be expanded to include other careers which use this type of technology.
2.     By using the information gathered in this project, a guide book for field trips could be made and presented to teachers at all levels.
3.     The different biomes could be added to the map and guide book.

Resources:

GPS 300
Digital Cammera
GIS Software-ArcView from ESRI
Measuring wheels
Compasses

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Revised: June 20, 2000